Burglars and other intruders are something no one should ever have to face, but home invasions a reality for about 2 million households each year and rising.

While you can’t totally control whether or not someone will break into your house, there are a few things you can do to make it more difficult and deter a potential intruder.

Invest in Motion Sensors

Many home invasions happen at night when it’s easier for intruders to hide in the dark. Motion sensor lights take away that security by turning on anytime someone walks in front of them. Lights come in a variety of styles and sizes and there are options for any budget.

The sudden flash of light may be enough to scare off an intruder or alert you or a neighbor to the fact that something is about to happen. It’ll give you or a neighbor time to call 911 and stop the damage before it begins.

Conceal Large Purchases

Whenever you buy a large-ticket item like a TV or an appliance, do you put the box out for trash or recycling pick up? If you do, it’s basically an advertisement to a burglar that you have something new and valuable inside. This is most common during the holiday season.

Rather than making your purchases known by putting boxes on the curb, pack up the cardboard and take it to your local recycling center. You’ll still get rid of the unwanted packaging, but in a much safer way.

Eliminate Hiding Places

If you have large shrubs or hedges outside your home, you’ve created the perfect place for an intruder to hide. Try to keep them trimmed up as much as possible to minimize the potential for someone to lurk within them.

This hiding factor is also important to consider when deciding what your home’s landscaping will look like. Weigh the aesthetic value your choices will bring against the potential danger they create to find a balance that suits you and your family.